Q: As I have reached retirement age and will be leaving China, how can I withdraw my social security contributions (pension, medical)?

A: Under Article 5 of the Interim Measures for Social Insurance System Coverage of Foreigners Working within the Territory of China:

Foreigners covered in the social insurance system shall be entitled to social insurance benefits in accordance with the law, once the qualifying conditions are met.

For those who leave the country before reaching the stipulated pension age, their individual social insurance accounts will be retained. If they return to China for employment, their contribution years will be accumulated. Alternatively, upon a written application to terminate the social insurance relationship, the balance in their individual social insurance account can be paid out to them in a lump sum.

Employees of enterprises can apply through their company to the social insurance sub-center. Individuals can go to the nearest community affairs service center for processing.

According to the relevant regulations on the basic medical insurance for employees, employees who have terminated their pension insurance can bring documents to the nearest district medical insurance center to settle their personal medical account funds.

Before settling the personal account funds, any unpaid or unreimbursed medical expenses for outpatient, emergency, hospitalization, or home care must first be settled, reimbursed, or reduced.

If the settlement amount exceeds 10,000 yuan ($1,378.67), an appointment is required and the settlement can be processed within 10 working days after making the appointment.

Sources: Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Human Resources and Social Security, Shanghai Municipal Medical Insurance Bureau